LEARNING DELTAS ASIA INITIATIVE - PHASE 2 IN EPTION WORKSHOP 6-7 December 2019 Yangon ... · 2019-05-29 · Yangon - Myanmar Final Workshop Report ... region”. During the Bangladesh

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LEARNING DELTAS ASIA INITIATIVE - PHASE 2 INCEPTION WORKSHOP

6-7 December 2019 Yangon - Myanmar

Final Workshop Report

Contents

Contents ........................................................................................................................................................... i

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 1

First Day of the Workshop ............................................................................................................................... 2

Session 1: LDAI origin and how far has It flown? ............................................................................................... 2

Session 2: How does it belong and where is it heading? ................................................................................... 6

Session 3: Enhancing Relevance across the Boundaries .................................................................................... 9

Second Day of the Workshop ......................................................................................................................... 11

Session 4: Learning Delta Engine for Phase 2 and steering it ........................................................................... 11

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Introduction The primary aim of Learning Deltas Asia Initiative (LDAI) is

for south-south cooperation and knowledge exchanges

on adaptation to climate change in urban Deltas. The first

Learning Deltas Asia Initiative (LDAI) programme was

initiated in June 2017 with a scoping phase that lasted for

6 months between two participant countries, namely,

Bangladesh and Myanmar. The overall objective of the

LDAI is to enhance capacity of engaged stakeholders and

institutions in policies and to enable higher levels of

impact and sustainability allowing for scaling up of

resilience of urban deltas and to help them adapt to climate change. This initiative facilitates the

south-south learning exchanges on delta management and resilience.

Following the successful implementation of the first phase, the second phase was designed to ensure

a thorough knowledge exchange mechanism between key Asian deltas that will:

Built knowledge base in place to facilitate knowledge exchange on five key learning areas

related to management of Asian Deltas;

Foster cooperation to develop joint solutions for increased water security and climate

resilience in Asian deltas;

Strengthen the capabilities of local institutions to enhance targeted outreach, impact and

sustainability of Multilateral Development Banks (MDB)/Climate Fund co-financed projects

and to improve the quality of project pipeline proposals.

LDAI phase 2 needs to be established with inputs of all partners in participating countries, headed by

a project steering committee which will be the management body for ground level activities. The role

of Regional Water Partnership South Asia (GWP-SAS) is to coordinate and implement the LDAI

Programme under the guidance of GWPO and logistical support of Regional Water Partnership of

Southeast Asia (GWP-SEA). Cap-Net UNDP will support the implementation of capacity development

delivery and knowledge product development. This inception workshop of Phase 2 serves as a

planning platform where all the participating countries could provide inputs to the strategic directions

and operational mechanism of LDAI phase 2.

Objectives of the workshop

- To enhance the stakeholder cooperation in preparation and rolling-out Phase 2

- Ensure the relevance of LDAI into national level development agendas and streamline the LDAI

activities in line with national planning of Deltaic countries,

- International organizations and donors’ interests in collaborating with LDAI activities

identified

Expected Outcomes of the workshop

- Declaration of LDAI learning agenda in line with national planning of Deltaic countries, and

enhance relevance and stakeholder cooperation for LDAI

Figure 1: Backdrop Design

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- Stakeholder responsibilities has been clearly identified and documented from each country

participants for implementing the learning agenda

- Project level steering committee is set-up for LDAI

Attended Participants

During the 2 days of the workshop about 38 participants from both regions, donors, and other

international organization were involved.

- Director/managers from Delta planning/management authorities of Asia:Bangladesh, Sri

Lanka Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China.

- Country Water Partnerships focal points from relevant countries

- Regional Water Partnership (GWP China, GWP SEA and GWP SAS)

- Cap-Net representatives

- Myanmar Cap-Net

- Donors, development partners interested/working with Delta (IWMI, WWF, KOICA, Embassy

of the Netherlands in Myanmar)

- Delta Coalition

- Delta Alliance

The detail list of participant can be seen on the Annex 1.

First Day of the Workshop

Session 1: LDAI origin and how far has It flown?

Welcome and Opening Remarks

The first session started by welcome and introduction

from the host participant, Myanmar Water Partnership

Chairman Dr. Zaw Lwin Tun who also works for Ministry

of Agriculture and Livestocks as the Deputy Director

General for Irrigation and Water Utilization

Management Department, Government of Myanmar as

well as Interim Wing Coordinator for Myanmar Delta

Alliance Wing.

In his speech, he introduced the Myanmar Water

Partnership that were formed and representing people

from governmental institution, non-governmental organization, university, research institution,

private company and organization who is trying to promoting a multistakeholders platform in the

country. In his speech he also addressed that “Many deltas, specifically in Asia are very densed with

many population reside in the area and mainly focusing on food production, such as in Ayeyarwady

Delta-Myanmar which producing about 60% of the food production from the whole country”. In

addition he argued that the delta encounter by adverse effects of climate change and natural

resources deterioration such as the mangrove.

Following the welcome and introduction session is opening remarks that was given by Dr.

Khondaker Azharul Haq, the Incoming GWP-SAS Regional Chair. He claimed that the LDAI

Figure 2: Myanmar Water Partnership presented his welcome and introduction

remarks

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programme that started since a year ago in Bangladesh nowadays has shown an impact. He added

“the most important features from LDAI initiatice is that we do it by ourselves through South-South

Cooperation rather than learn from somebody else that will mixed it up and might delivered

something that not applicable to us”. The second phase of LDAi is expected to share all the lesson

learned from both Myanmar and Bangladesh with the other delta country in the region.

Learning Delta Asia Initiative Concept and Origin

The next presentation was from Lal Induruwage the GWP South Asia (GWP-SAS) Regional

Coordinator, presented Learning Delta Asia Initiative concept and origin. The LDAI started in June

2017 with 6 months scoping phase to assess and understanding of challenges and opportunities in

the participating countries by sent team of experts to learn from the other country (Myanmar to

Bangladesh, vice versa). The second phase of LDAI was prepared of which the Cap-Net and GWP

joint effort to place this initiative to meet the capacity development need and demand in the Delta

countries. The LDAI objective is to build up an effective SSC learning and innovation Initiative that

accompanies rural and urbanizing deltas in better connecting three processes that often unfold in

relative isolation:

1. Enable IWRM planning and implementation Adaptive Delta Management;

2. Engage broader sectoral integrated and inclusive societal development processes that guide

socio-economic resilience; and

3. Support the planning and implementation of investment projects through innovative

learning and knowledge processes building commitment and capacities

The LDAI use tailor made learning tools and promote experiential learning that suited to particular

countries and location of the delta. Through these tools, the knowledge from the practice will be

capitalized and partners will gain direct access to field-tested, innovative solutions and develop the

capacities to sustain learning and change in time on the:

1. Network development, by acknowledging and bringing together multiple stakeholders

through face-to-face activities;

2. Strengthening of national organizations, by equipping them with advance knowledge

management and knowledge sharing skills;

3. Documentation and dissemination of the best practices and innovation.

The first phase developed three documents that are available on the GWP global website. These

documents are:

• LDAI Scoping Phase Report: https://www.gwp.org/globalassets/global/gwp-

sas_files/ldai/8.1-final--report-scoping-phase-ldai.12-18--17.clean---doc.pdf

• LDAI Myanmar Mission Report:

https://www.gwp.org/contentassets/99ab8af8a32f4b449ef9b3d61a5a2147/ldai-myanmar-

mission-report.310817-final.pdf

• Bangladesh Mission Report-

https://www.gwp.org/contentassets/7cba3c55ba6e43cd96213c93835ca8da/ldai-

bangladesh-mission-report_bangladesh-final.pdf

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LDAI Scoping Phase Presentation on Myanmar Learning Route

Under the session of LDAI scoping phase presentation on Myanmar learning route, Dr. Zaw Lwin Tun

was given the floor once again. He explained the pilot phase that initiated by a mission to

Bangladesh in February 2017. During this mission, three adaptive delta management (ADM) priority

learning areas for both parties were selected, namely: polder management, tidal river management,

and integrated water resources management (IWRM) for the costal area and Barind Tract Area (was

selected as the learning territory).

In June 2017, the second mission was held in the Myanmar in conjunction with the initiation of the

LDAI. The LDAI was designed by the Global Water Partnership Organization (GWPO) as a platform for

Myanmar and Bangladesh to promote the exchange of experience and knowledge on development

of deltas and filling the knowledge gaps. During this mission, 3 priority learning areas were selected,

such as : 1) polder area at Kyet hpa mway zaung polder area; 2) tidal river management at the

Nyaung Done Polder; and 3) IWRM in particular: Nyaung Done Town river bank protection works,

improvement of river system, Bank protection at Bo Myat Tun Bridge, as well as Mangrove Forest

Education Centre. In his final remark, dr. Zaw argued, “the LDAI is a new way to exlore, planning

together which has found interesting by all the participants”.

Figure 3: The report covers of the 1st LDAI phase that are available on the GWP’s website

Figure 4: The participants from the second Mission in Myanmar

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LDAI Scoping Phase Presentation on Bangladesh Learning Route

Mr. Abu Saleh Khan - Deputy Executive Director (Operations), Institute of Water Modelling,

Bangladesh on his presentation argued that “Bangladesh has developed many mathematical

modelling to analyse many water and environmental problem which can help in negotiating the

balance in water management in their

region”.

During the Bangladesh delegation visit to

Myanmar, Ayeyarwady Delta was chosen

as the site for as it shared the similar

problems.

For the tidal river management, it takes

more than 40 years to get to current

situation, started since 60’s with the the

coastal embankment project at

Southwest Region of Bangladesh. At

that time has given many benefits to

the agriculture sector. However the regular monitoring and the effects on siltation still was not

considered at that time. Later on, in the 80’s the indigenous knowledge used by the farmers and

together with modelling technique has improved the situation.

For the polder management in Bangladesh, the modelling technique was also applied by taking into

the account all the phenomena such as land subsidence. The model also has been used as part of the

South-South Cooperation with Malaysia.

As for the way forward, the Bangladesh suggested that the current learning process between

Bangladesh and Myanmar can still be carried out on the phase II, as well as involving other delta

countries on sharing the best practices.

Key Messages during discussion session

- Cambodia shared the same situation with Myanmar and Bangladesh that considered

massive development in the floodplaint considered as the factor that caused floods during

the raining season. This support by a study in the Mekong River has shown that the flood

happened not only because of climate change related impact, but also because of massive

development.

- Cagayan de Oro is one of the 5 major delta city in Philippines, located in Mindanao Island

which recently suffered from a trophical cyclone event (Typhoon Washi). Rebuilding the city

by considering a ‘delta city concept’ still was not part of the discussion among the

government. At that time, the water utility services was down more than 60% and affected

half of the population (+/- 300.000 people).

- Above statement from the Philippines brought up the importance of Delta cities planning to

incorporate the fact that they are located in the Delta. So far planning of the cities is done is

the business as usual without understanding the meaning of located in the Delta area. This

has brought to a notion how does it mean to be a delta city, and how can the LDAI assist this

concept development.

Figure 5: The Myanmar delegation team during field visit to Bangladesh on June 2017

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- The delta countries is often received the impacts from the upstream country in the

transboundary river context, and therefore it is useful to learn from them. For the case of

Chao Phraya delta in Thailand, it contribute to 70% of GDP. By linking to the socio economic

development, the impacts of climate and water related disasters can give useful information

to the policy maker.

- Thailand brought up the importance of adaptive greater management, as Delta usually

consist of several cities not just one cities. This will link perfectly with the concept of IWRM.

LDAI can help to share and learning about the impacts of climate change and water related

disasters on the delta city.

- In China, many deltas have different research instutition and university on the areas. And

China are looking forward to learn from other research institution in the Southeast Asia

region.

- Learning from the scooping phase of Myanmar and Bangladesh presentations, it is important

for new countries to understand the detail steps to conduct the scooping phase, such as who

facilitate the scooping phase between the two countries? How each country came to

understand what they have on Delta initiatives and decided which initiatives they would like

to share? What exactly is being shared and who prepared all the learning materials?

- Definition of Deltas initiatives must be clearly defined to give more clarity to all potential

country members. What is the anchor of LDAI? Does it have to be anchored to the river

management or something else? Which type of project can be considered as deltas

initiatives? How does it link to the adaptive Delta management?

Session 2: How does it belong and where is it heading?

Salient Features of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100

Mr. Mohammad Asaduzzaman Sarker from Bangladesh Planning

Commission was given an opportunity to deliver a presentation on the

Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. With many challenges and and

opportunities, management of the Bangladesh Delta is urgently require

an integrated plan. As a result, a robust and flexible strategies are taken

to ensure the country’s a long vision but still prioritizing a short term ‘no

regret’ actions under the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100.

Under the plan, 6 hotspot1 area has been identified which

facing risks due to hydrology, climate change and natural

hazards. These hotspot areas are: 1) Coastal Zone (27,738 sq km); 2) Barind and Drought Prone

Areas (22,848 sq km); 3) Haor and Flash Flood Areas (16,574 sq km); 4) Chattogram Hill Tracts

(13,295 sq km); 5) River Systems and Estuaries (35,204 Sq km); and 6) Urban Areas (19,823 sq km).

1 Hotspot is defined as “a place of significant activity or danger”. Hotspots are prototypical areas where similar hydrological and climate change vulnerability characteristics and problems converge also influenced by natural hazards.

Figure 6: The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100

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The remaining area is identified as ‘cross cutting’ area characterized by a combination of issues and

challenges e.g. floods, drought, river bank erosion, sedimentation, groundwater depletion, water

pollution and water supply and sanitation.

WWF’s work on Asian Deltas, promoting nature based solutions and discussion

On his presentation title “Resilient Asian Deltas”, Marc Goichot the Lead Water WWF Greater

Mekong argued that the region are the most bio-diverse for freshwater2 and marine species and

home to 400 million people. Many researchers found out that the delta areas are sinking faster than

sea level rise due to climate change.

in his presentation, a case study from Ayeyarwady River

Basin in Myanmar had shown a significant consequence

from changes in land use, such as:

Land use activities altering flow and sediment input:

Changing the balance between sediment input and flow

will change the river channel shape

Reduction in destabilise banks & ‘starve’ deltpeak

flows a big risk: Low slope of river makes water height

main driver of river energy

Large increases in sediment input in middle reaches

will ‘choke’ channel increasing flood levels & negative

impacts to navigation

2 i.e. Mekong River Basin is more than 450 fish species and Yangtze host more than 300 fish species

Figure 8: The 3 zones of a fluvial system (Schumm, modified)

Figure 7: Summary of the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2010 Process and Methods

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Local removal of sand & gravel downstream

He added daming the Mekong River Basin has also affecting the sediment transport and the flow and

therefore he put emphasize on a nature based infrastructure and valuing the ecosystem on any

infrastructure project.

Optimizing Benefits from Regional Cooperation on Trans-boundary Waters: Opportunities for South Asian deltas including source to sea concept

Dr. Khondaker Azharul Haq, Bangladesh Country Water Partnership on his presentation introduced

a concept of ‘source to sea approach’ [Regional Cooperation on Trans-Boundary Waters:

Opportunities for South Asian Deltas including Source to Sea Approach]. In his presentation, multiple

international water treaty between Bangladesh and neighbouring countries were signed in

particular: to improve delta management such as flood control, prevention of river bank erosion,

improving navigation, management of silt, ecosystem protection, water pollution prevention, and

iproving food security.

At the end of his presentation, source to sea linkages was introduced. The intended outcome of

applying the source-to-sea approach and

refers to the establishment of governance,

operations, practices and finance that

increase collaboration and coherence across

the source-to-sea system and reduce

alteration of key flows (water, pollution,

sediment, materials, biota, ecosystem

services) resulting in measurable economic,

social and environmental improvement

across freshwater, coastal, nearshore and

marine environments.

LDAI Phase 2 – prospects and plans

Indika Gunawardana, Capacity Development Analyst, Cap-Net UNDP on her presentation give a

slight background about the LDAI. The second phase is a continuation from the scoping phase and

primarily aims for south-south cooperation and knowledged exchanges.

Three steps in LDAI phase 2 was

designed (Figure 10). In addition, 5

learning priorities will be chosen,

namely: Tidal river management, Polder

management, Preparedness for future

Climate Change and mitigation

measures, Mangrove conservation and

management, and Integrated water

resources management.

Figure 9: ‘source to sea’ linkages

Figure 10: Three Steps in LDAI Phase 2

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The proposed Organization Structure can be seen at Figure 11.

Key Messages during discussion session

1. Bangladesh brought up its experience on development of the 100 years Delta development

plan and how it has been recognized as part of the national development agenda.

2. Adaptive Delta management is a good initative/concept that can be linked with IWRM and

climate change adaptation. LDAI must consider to incorporate the concept of Adaptive Delta

Management.

3. Financial is one main issue to facilitate the tailored-made knowledge exchange. A more

efficient but still effective design of tailored made knowledge exchanges must be designed

through the 2nd phase of LDAI.

4. The range of Delta initiative that were presented was very broad, from river restoration to

development of giant sea wall. Some were unsure whether they have presented the right

Delta initiative. This shows the definition of the Delta initiative must be revisited in the 2nd

phase of LDAI.

5. From WWF Greater Mekong, Marc Goichot emphasize the importance of Delta initiatives to

be linked with initiatives at the upstream level. This is to ensure IWRM principles are

applied.

6. Marc also reminded the importance of the incorporation of nature based solution in the

development of any Delta initiatives. Understanding how nature works should be able to

help to find the alternative solutions that will go along how the nature works, which will

ensure sustainability of the environment and the Delta initiatives.

Session 3: Enhancing Relevance across the Boundaries

Country overview: Delta related interventions summary from country representatives

Ayeyarwady Delta was selected as a case study from Myanmar. Several delta projects in the area as

follows: development of Integrated Ayeyarwady Delta strategy, adoption of adaptive delta

management, Establishment of Integrated Agriculture and Irrigation Development Master Plan

(EIAIDMP) for Ayeyarwady Delta with financial aid from KOICA, and Project for Irrigation

Figure 11: Proposed Organization Structure

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Development of major grains producing areas in the Ayeyarwady Delta with assistant from Lancang-

Mekong Water Cooperation Center.

Delta Related intervensions in Sri Lanka was presented by Eng. Medhani A. Jayakody (Chief Engineer

- Water Resources Planning, Irrigation Department). The deltas are rich in biodiversity and facing

development and environmental management challenges. A new development approach is being

considered by incorporate all the sectors such as agriculture/economy/social/ biodiversity/

ecological & environmental conservation.

In Bangladesh, the delta related intervension was presented by Dr. Dwijen Mallick, fellow of

Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (Cap-Net Bangladesh). Several delta intervension were

presented such as: adaptive delta management (focus on development and acculturation in

Bangladesh and Indonesia); Hydro-social Delta that aims to improve the understanding of flows of

water, its impacts on people as well as to improve policies and strategies for disaster risk reduction

and sustainable development of delta; mainstreaming gender in water management; Capacity

building and advocacy. In addition, a case study on Resilient and Inclusive Dhaka City was chosen.

Philippines presented a case study on Pasig River that recently win an Asia Riverprize award at 21st

international River symposium at Sydney – Australia on October 14, 2018. On his presentation,

George Oliver G. De La Rama, the Head of Public Information, Advocacy, and Tourism Division -

Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission explained that in 1990’s the river was declared “biologically

dead”. With 2009 “Biodiversity Assessment of Pasig River and Its Tributaries: Ecosystems Approach

(Phase One)”, several species of fish, birds, trees and aquatic plants are now living in the river or

within its left and right embankment. Through the establishment of Pasic River Rehabilitation

Commission and participation from all the stakeholders and communities during the planning and

implementation, the river now has been restored to a better condition. A few activities that have

been done are: environmental management through waste management and water quality

improvement technologies; and multilevel public awareness.

.Key Messages during discussion session

1. Aside from the 5 learning priorities, other countries also propose other priorities based

on their needs.

Figure 12: an overviews of the condition before and after the initiative was carried out

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2. Out of The 5 learning priorities that came from Myanmar and Bangladesh, 2 are very

broad, IWRM and Climate change. These 2 priorities are on a different level compared to

the other 3 priorities. These 2 priorities should be considered as priority area rather

than the learning priorities that should be more detail.

3. Learning priorities of each country must be discussed with the key stakeholders in the

country. Therefore, a focal point is needed to facilitate the discussion of learning

priorities and the learning exchange process through LDAI.

4. It is understood that priority of each country is different to one another. However, in

this early stage of LDAI, these 5 common priorities can be considered as the binder that

will help the collaboration to take off.

5. CWPs of each country is the main focal point to lead the process. Based on each country

result, another Inception Workshop should be organized to give shape to the LDAI 2nd

phase. The next meeting of Delta coalition should be a good event to put everyone

together again in a side event.

Second Day of the Workshop

Session 4: Learning Delta Engine for Phase 2 and steering it

Recap from First Day

The recap from the first day is shown at Figure 12.

Figure 13: Day-1 Recap

Additional reflection: Scientific-based knowledge (tools, research); Regional and International

cooperation; Offline forum of knowledge exchange; Focal point of LDAI.

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Brainstorming activity “How does LDAI collaborate in-line with national planning and development agendas?”

During this session, Indika from Cap-Net led the discussion and key messages are given below.

Key Messages during discussion session

- China delegations reminded all participants that it is important to know what each country

have in term of Delta initiatives. This will make the exchange possible. China has a lot of

experience in Delta management initiatives.

- It was agreed that an on-line knowledge exchange platform to be developed. However,

learning from Cap-Net Bangladesh experience, there are some technicalities that needs to

be carefully thought through. For example, who should manage the platform? Does each

country need to have it or can it be a regional platform? Etc.

- Knowledge expert committee should be appointed at a later stage to safe guard the quality

of the platform.

- Steering Committee will be discussed at a later stage after the design has a bit more clarity.

- It would be good if the Delta coalition country members can support the LDAI as its

knowledge exchange engine.

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